Sunday, March 17, 2013

Yay for versatility! I love my Tim Holtz Tattered Florals die, because you can get so many different looks from one die. Like these, for example:

But today I want to focus on my favorite flowers to create lately, the melted or singed flower.

Using synthetic fabric, I easily cut out several layers at one time. For this flower, I used the large 6 petal flower, cut out a few different fabrics: tulle, organza and satin. Then, I held each flower above a candle to singe the edges and cause them to curl up. Super easy! I layered the flowers, alternating fabrics and glued them together. Added a little pearl center, and voila! Super adorable, shabby flower to attach to a hair clip, headband or add a pin back. Fun, easy and addictive to make!

Thanks for stopping by my much neglected blog! I post more frequent updates on my YouTube channel. ;)
xoxo,
Amy

Sunday, October 30, 2011

I was recently contacted for these items and decided to put them on my blog to share with all of you. Please ignore the LilyPad labels, I don't have time to change them. Other than that, please feel free to download and enjoy!Click here to download

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Good Morning! Today I thought I'd show a little peek of our breakfast nook. Every single thing is vintage and thrifted, but of course!

Gingham curtains: I love gingham and find it to be so charming, especially with ruffles! Not sure they really belong in a spanish style home, but for now I like them!

I am in love with vintage tablecloths and enamelware. I can't get enough of either and they are the two main things I am always on the look out for. The table is old and pretty cheep-o, but until I get my dream formica 40's table, this does the job.

Shot of my thrifted shelf, lined up with some pyrex fridgies, pitchers and pots.

This cake carrier is a recent find. I was soooo excited when I saw it!

Some daisies to match the tablecloth. I love daisies because they are sweet, simple and last a long time!

Today I am going to work on cleaning and organizing my little craft/sewing/laundry room! What are your plans for the day?

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

This old Cosco chair/step stool was $5.95. I slapped some faux oil cloth on the seat for now and will probably paint it at some point. It has already come in handy when Sophie wants to help make dinner.

I never thought I'd find a Pyrex dot bowl! Finally! And for $2.95, who could pass it up?

I bought this box full of old metal flower frogs yesterday for $4.95. Some have already been put to work and this is the rest of the bunch.

How appropriate! A "Thrift" bank so I can save my pennies for more thrift outings! Too bad I can't figure out how to open it! Still, I love that it is all rusty and worn and it looks cute on my desk.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Ahhhh, long time no blog! Hopefully I will be making up for that from now on! I wanted to share my recent thrifty projects with you!

This stool was quite hideous when I spied it at the thrift store, but for $5.00 I knew it was worth taking a chance on and could probably be transformed into something a bit nicer! A little bit of paint and some fabric (from a thrifted sheet, of course) and done!

Love those shabby wheels!

Next up I used 2 ladders I found at the Habitat Re-Store for $3.99 each! I love that place! The wood top was behind my washer and dryer when we moved in so I hung on to it, thinking it might find a purpose someday.

I painted everything a lovely pale gray (its almost white but with a touch of gray), rubbed some glazing medium that I mixed with brown on, wiped off and then sealed with a glossy sealer. Screwed it all together and voila!

Added a few accessories and flowers from the yard......and now I have the perfect little table for my bay window!

Our house epitomizes "work in progress". We moved in a year ago this month and I have been taking some time letting this 1928 spanish style home "speak to me" so I can figure out which way it wants to be decorated. Not to mention, I am on a tight, tight budget. I will be posting more photos and projects on a regular basis. I've been working on the kitchen and master bedroom so look for those photos next!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Happy New Year! I had been taking a bit of a computer break, enjoying the holidays (and then recovering from the holidays too!)

I picked up a new obsession in my absence: crochet! I have been "hooking" non-stop for a few months now and even designed my own cardigan!

It was super quick and easy (I made mine in 2 days) and I thought I'd share the pattern with you! This super simple cardi is somewhat Anthropologie inspired, I fell in love with all of the ruffle cardigans they had this winter, but I did not fall in love with the prices! So here is my version: enjoy! (Please excuse the crappy photos)

Row 13: DC in 1st 18 sts, skip 28 sts, DC in next st. DC in next 33 sts, skip 28 sts, DC in next st, and in each remaining st across (this creates the arm holes)

Rows 14- desired length: DC in each st across. Finish off once you've reached the length you want.

Attach yarn to arm opening and DC in each stitch around to desired length. (if you want fuller sleeves, like mine, put 2 DC in a few of the stitches). Do not slip stitch, just DC in the round. To add optional ruffles: *2 DC in 1st st, 3 DC in next st* repeat to end, join with slip stitch the first ruffle stitch. Repeat for other sleeve.

Attach yarn at bottom right side of cardigan opening and SC in back loop only (BLO) evenly up the side, around the collar and down the other side. (I had HDC on mine, but would SC if I had it to do over again) Repeat as desired. Add button holes if desired. To add optional ruffles at neck: beginning where you want the ruffle to start: *2 DC in 1st st, 3 DC in next st* repeat to end.

I also SC in each ruffle st around with a contrasting yarn. I used 2 vintage buttons at the top on mine. I also did one row after the final increase row in BLO just to accentuate the circular look.

That's it! You can make it bigger or smaller just by adjusting the size of the beginning chain, or adding or deleting increases. Just try it on as you go!

I hope this isn't too complicated, please let me know if you have questions!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

I've been a bad blogger of late... the whole family has been sick with a bad cold/flu thing for 2 weeks now. What a bunch of sickos we are! We all had to kinda take it easy and try to get better quickly because we are off to Disney World!

Photo of Sophie from our last trip...kissing (or biting?) Pluto

Since Disney is only about 3 hours away and they offer such great Florida resident discounts, it just makes sense to go as often as possible! I will post soon with photos and catch ups on recent sewing projects, thrifting and who knows what else!

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Is anyone starting to think about Christmas already? There is always so much to do that I am trying to get a leg up on it this year. I love making homemade gifts for my family and doing lots of crafty things around the holidays. I pulled out the vintage Christmas tablecloths I have collected since last year to see if I could get any inspiration from them.

It did give me some ideas but I can't post them here since my family does read here from time to time. Wink wink. I do need to get started soon if I am going to pull it off!

But first we have Halloween and Thanksgiving to enjoy! Don't you love this time of year? It's the best! Have a Happy Halloween, everyone!